WHO WE SERVE
Expanding access to college counselling for all students
We partner with schools, districts, and nonprofits to provide free college counseling to cohorts of students funded by joint fundraising efforts, external donors, and local grants. This initiative is also possible by paying families whose tuition subsidizes the costs of students who qualify for Free and Reduce Lunch. Learn more at barrier-breakers.org and contact us to learn more at hello@barrier-breakers.org.
See below for just a few of our partnerships
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THE TRENTON IMPACT HUB
HomeWorks Trenton
HomeWorks Trenton (homeworkstrenton.org) is a nonprofit that provides a supplemental residential after-school program for marginalized girls. Their model combines academic support, leadership development, and identity-driven enrichment. Through our partnership, we walk alongside HomeWorks scholars with expert college advising—from building strong lists and applying to competitive summer programs to writing compelling admissions essays and applying for scholarships. In addition to personalized college advising, we have facilitated the delivery of 14 refurbished iPads to HomeWorks Trenton students, ensuring students were able to access personalized computing devices, and we support the acquisition of vouchers for SAT/ACT prep for the scholars.
Natalie Tung, Executive Director, HomeWorks Trenton
“Our scholars at HomeWorks Trenton, Inc, which focuses on leadership development, academic support, and college readiness, are already working with Barrier Breakers, and we’ve seen firsthand the confidence, clarity, and opportunity that this partnership provides. The alignment between our work and their expertise has strengthened our postsecondary support strategy. We are honored to work alongside Barrier Breakers and fully support their mission, impact, and continued partnership. ”
THE TRENTON IMPACT HUB
UrbanPromise Trenton
UrbanPromise Trenton (urbanpromisetrenton.org) is dedicated to equipping children and teens with the skills, academic support, and spiritual guidance they need to succeed in school and in life. Their mission is to ensure every teen in their program graduates from high school and is prepared for postsecondary success. Through our collaboration, we provide personalized college counseling, persistence coaching, and access to scholarships and internships, building on UrbanPromise’s proven record of supporting students through high school graduation.
Mecaela Dunson, Streetleader Director, UrbanPromise Trenton
“Our program is dedicated to helping students choose the most suitable path that allows them to fully utilize their talents, ensuring the least financial burden and the greatest potential for success. We believe that integrating high-touch college admissions support and four-year mentorship will deepen our impact and allow students to make more informed, confident choices about their futures. We are excited to be launching our partnership with Barrier Breakers as part of our Youth College Readiness program.”
PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Expanding equity through partnerships with the School District of Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s public school system is one of the largest in the nation, serving a diverse student population that includes many first-generation and low-income students. Barrier Breakers partners directly with the School District of Philadelphia to provide comprehensive, personalized college counseling. Our program is designed to walk alongside students every step of the way—from their junior year of high school through college graduation six years later. At the heart of the program are our advisors: former admissions officers who demystify the college process and serve as consistent mentors. We guide them through building strong college lists, writing compelling essays, securing financial aid, and making informed decisions. As part of our Outreach and Wellness Program, we continue to check in with these students for four years during college to ensure they thrive.
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OUR IMPACT
What We Do
1:1 College Advising
Personalized 1:1 support from current and former admissions professionals.
Transition to College
Guidance for the critical shift from high school or the workforce to higher education.
Support through College Graduation
Regular touchpoints and a robust community of other students ensure they feel supported, stay on track, and graduate.
Community Partnerships
Collaboration with the Philadelphia School District, Law and Justice Mentorship Program, local churches, law firms, and other local nonprofits.
OUR IMPACT
Outcomes and Impact
Barrier Breakers® has a proven record of success:
100%
College acceptance rate for our students to date
100%
Persistence to sophomore year (vs 74% nationally)
100%
Six-year graduation rate (vs. 28% nationally for low-income students)
For Trenton students, we expect:
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Each participant to complete at least 12–15 one-on-one sessions annually
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90% of students to submit 10+ strong applications with comprehensive financial aid strategies
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Nearly all to matriculate and graduate from college within six years
But beyond the numbers, the transformation is personal and lasting. Students gain the confidence to see themselves as leaders. Families gain clarity and peace of mind navigating a complex system. And Trenton gains a stronger, more diverse pipeline of graduates ready to reinvest their skills into the community.